On April 9, the Union of Safety and Justice Employees hosted its second Annual National Public Safety Awards on Parliament Hill to recognize and celebrate the outstanding work undertaken by federal public safety personnel across the country.
Too often, the crucial work of these individuals happens behind the scenes, out of sight of many Canadians who depend on the commitment and dedication of federal public safety and justice employees to keep them safe.
At the awards ceremony on Parliament Hill, seven federal public safety personnel who are USJE members took centre stage where USJE National President David Neufeld, the National Executive team, and various Members of Parliament celebrated their contributions.
This year, USJE was particularly pleased to welcome RCMP Commissioner Michael Duheme who joined the event on the Hill – and was able to extend his personal congratulations to two of the Award Recipients who are part of the RCMP family.
Additionally, Jennifer O’Connell, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Safety, and MPs Glen Motz (CPC) Kristina Michaud (BQ), and Peter Julian (NDP) offered their heartfelt remarks about the invaluable contributions of the 2024 Award Recipients.
USJE was joined by Yvonne Jones, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Northern Affairs, Pam Damoff, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Anita Vandenbeld, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Development, Leah Gazan (NDP), John Aldag (LPC), Michelle Ferreri (CPC), Frank Caputo (CPC), Alistair MacGregor (NDP), Terry Duguid (LPC), Ryan Williams (CPC), Marie-France Lalonde (LPC), Branden Leslie (CPC), Hon. Judy Sgro (LPC), John Barlow (CPC), Matt Jeneroux (CPC) and senior staff from the offices of the Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions, and Intergovernmental Affairs, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure, and Communities, Minister of Labour and Seniors, Minister of Transport and Quebec Lieutenant. Senators Claude Carignan and Manuelle Oudar were also in attendance.
At the ceremony, the extensive contributions of each Recipient to Canada’s robust public safety network was highlighted by USJE President Mr. Neufeld, with each Recipient coming to the stage to receive their Award. There were subsequent opportunities throughout the evening for conversations and photos with Commissioner Duheme, Members of Parliament, USJE’s 18 Regional Vice Presidents, among others.
During the ceremony, President Neufeld also highlighted its urgent appeal to all parties to close a key gap in the Government Employees’ Compensation Act so that federal public safety personnel have access to Workers’ Compensation for mental health related injuries, just like first responders in most provinces and territories.
USJE’s Award Recipients and National President David Neufeld were also invited to join a private lunch earlier at the day at the Parliamentary restaurant and watch Question Period. The lunch was hosted by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Safety and MP Pam Damoff so that the Recipients could share a little bit about their contributions in a more informal setting.
USJE’s National Public Safety Awards is part of USJE’s National Strategic Action Plan to elevate and amplify the visibility and contributions of the 18,000 federal public safety personnel it represents across 18 federal departments and agencies. Through initiatives including the annual National Awards ceremony, USJE’s Presumptive Injury initiative aimed at modifying federal legislation to ensure better mental health supports, its Keep the RCMP Campaign, among other efforts, USJE is becoming a respected and influential voice on public safety on Parliament Hill and throughout the country.
USJE was thrilled to take the opportunity on April 9 to highlight and celebrate the contributions and dedication of its seven 2024 National Award Recipients, and we thank Recipients for taking the time to join us. We look forward to hosting the next ceremony in the spring of 2025. You can watch for the call for nominations in the fall of 2024.